What a performance! The cast, especially Jeff Daniels, was so amazing in this okay. The seriousness, the comedic parts, the sets, the pace of the story, all made this for such an enjoyable experience! The theatre is beautiful too, I was in a box seat with an excellent view with great audio. read more

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This show was such a disappointment. I used to love the book and loved the movie so when I heard it was coming on broadway I was so excited. First things first the usher in this theatre are the rudest I've ever had to encounter with. One literally tried to shove me out of the way to get passed me. When I was getting directed to my seat they pointed to where I had to go but I wasn't sure if that was the right aisle. When I asked again the usher gave me attitude and told me to ask someone else. Bad start. The play itself is just ehh. The acting wasn't great although Jeff Daniels did a great job playing Atticus. But everyone else wasn't into character in my opinion and it wasn't much like the original book/movie. I expected more action and better acting. 2 hours and 35 minute play which could've been shorter with the story line they were providing. I wouldn't recommend it. read more

To Kill a Mockingbird - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Harper Lee's 1960 literary classic is so engrained in our collective memory, whether through the book or the acclaimed 1962 film version, that a stage adaptation would almost seem superfluous. Gratefully this play is anything but in the expert hands of director Bartlett Sher and writer Aaron Sorkin. Sher is well known for revitalizing Broadway classics, the latest being "My Fair Lady", and Sorkin wrote many screenplays though arguably his best known works are "The West Wing" and "The Newsroom". I'm sure it's not a coincidence that Jeff Daniels was cast as attorney Atticus Finch, Gregory Peck's career-defining role, because Finch has a lot in common with Will McAvoy, the irascible but fair-minded cable news anchorman in "The Newsroom". Daniels provides the needed gravitas and dry humor to make Finch his own away from Peck's looming shadow, and Sorkin maintains fidelity to Lee's elegiac writing and yet flexibly integrates the climactic court trial throughout the play's narrative. This restructuring allows a greater focus on the racism and small town hostilities that fuel the plot. Casting adults in the children's roles was a tricky proposition. Scout was just six years old in Lee's book and ten in the movie. Celia Keenan-Bolger has played children before and quite expertly as a 13-year-old in "Peter and the Starcatcher". That's why she is ideally cast here bringing out her character's precocious nature without a hint of condescension. Will Pullen and Gideon Glick complement her nicely as Scout's brother Jem and their summer neighbor Dill. Dill was inspired by Lee's real-life childhood neighbor Truman Capote. The impression is unmistakable. In an expanded role, LaTanya Richardson Jackson all but steals her scenes as feisty housekeeper Calpurnia and proves her mettle to push Atticus's conscience as the story unfolds. Miriam Buether's movable sets evoke the small Southern town of Maycomb with little fuss, and I like how Sher has even the principal actors help move them in position. I can't recommend this production enough. RELATED - Looking for a few thoughts on some Broadway shows past and present? Here's a collection of shows I've attended and reviewed: bit.ly/2INr814 read more

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Aaron Sorkin did a masterful job of crating this play from a truly classic book by Harper Lee. An amazing cast telling the story of an atrocity that was common in the South during the depression. read more

To Kill a Mockingbird - To Kill a Mockingbird - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

You can see thousands of shows in New York each year. I never discourage support for theater. Go and see what interests you. It's an experience everyone should do at least a few times a year, if your budget will allow. TKaM is an experience that you soon won't forget. This production with Jeff Daniels is probably the best piece of theater I have seen (and yeah, I saw Bette in Hello Dolly and Lin in Hamilton - both amazing!) What makes this standout? Under Sorkin's careful watch we see the classic story by Harper Lee, TKaM unfolds in Maycomb, Alabama. It has unfortunate ties to the current political climate many Americans are facing. As the curtain goes up, the story begins with narration by the tag along six-year-old sister, Jean Louise Finch, nicknamed Scout. It's a period piece set during three years (1933-35) of the Great Depression Maycomb, Alabama, the seat of Maycomb County. Lee unfolds this true life story that happened when he was 10. Scout, lives with her older brother Jeremy, nicknamed Jem, and their widowed father Atticus, a local lawyer. Jem was the understudy in our production and just as talented as all on the stage! Jem and Scout are friends with a visiting boy nicknamed Dill, who visits Maycomb to stay with his aunt each summer. You will love him from start to finish and yes - the actor who plays him was in fact the original Evan from the smash hit Dear Evan Hanson. The children are frighteningly fascinated with their neighbor, the Arthur "Boo" Radley. The adults on the other hand have a curious pact of silence around Boo. And there is begins a deeper who dunnit sub plot. After two lazy summers, the children start to find hidden treasures between their home and Boo's. Things are not as they seem, though. While Jeff Daniels' portrayal of the magnanimous Finch is Tony nomination worthy, the true star for me is Celia Keenan-Bolger. She was flawless, if not dare I say it-born to play the role of Scout. She was robbed of a Tony. Robbed! Go. See it. Take your friends. Take your family. Take everyone you know. You need to bare witness to this once in a lifetime experience. It matters both theatrically and when you think about the America that once was and still is, racially challenged. The cast: Character Broadway (2018) Atticus Finch Jeff Daniels Scout Finch Celia Keenan-Bolger Jem Finch Will Pullen Dill Harris Gideon Glick Bob Ewell Fred Weller Tom Robinson Gbenga Akinnagbe Horace Gilmer Stark Sands Judge John Taylor Dakin Matthews Mayella Ewell Erin Wilhelmi Link Deas Neal Huff Boo Radley Danny Wolohan Calpurnia LaTanya Richardson read more

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Hi, I'm Wendy, and I've never read To Kill a Mockingbird. If a classic wasn't assigned to me as mandatory school reading material, chances are I haven't touched it with a ten-foot pole. This one's been on my to-read list, though, and I was definitely inspired to bump the book up a few notches after my friends and I saw the Broadway show in October. Great script and direction by Aaron Sorkin. The man knows how to write. The cast also did a great job. Jeff Daniels obviously knocked it out of the park, but Celia Keenan-Bolger was especially good as Scout. She embodied the spirit and persona of a young girl so well. The story was sprinkled with many comedic moments, but the sense of tragedy and injustice overwhelmingly hung over the entire show. It was unbearable to watch, yet so unfortunately apt for the time... and sadly things still haven't changed enough. One thing though: the Southern accents were really hard for me to understand at times, especially from Mr. Daniels, who compounded that with slurring his words. My friends felt the same way. No matter, I'll pick up any missed details when I stop being a heathen and just read the book. By the way, this is more of a theater note than show note, but our side mid-balcony seats were great and I saw everything clearly. read more

Amazing show! I've been wanting to see the show for some time noob and am pleased my son gave me tickets for Christmas. The show was exceptional. The acting was top notch and it literally had you on the edge of your seat. The dial was funny at times but also quite poignant as well It's message is universal and one which is quite contemporary for the strange times we live in today. If you have a chance I highly recommend this show. Ed Harris as Atticus Finch was jussi simply classic!!! read more

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"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." ― Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird" I am truly enamored of performance arts and the theater. Having read Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize novel in high school as mandatory summer reading I am happy to read it. Morale, courage, respect and compassion are all part of humanity that never fades and are the essence of mankind. I thought Jeff Daniels's performance as Atticus Finch was good. I find Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch was outstanding exceptional. I am excited that the novel during my high school years reading adapted to stage. This is a memory play as narrated by Jean Louise Finch (aka Scout), Jeremy (aka Jem) and friend Dill Harris. Play running time is 2 hours and 35 minutes with one 15 intermission. The play did not start promptly at 2 pm on a Saturday, but beginning 2:04 pm and ended at 4:50 pm. The writer Aaron Sorkin did not remain true to the book but decided to create a different version based on the book and plot, nevertheless the storyline is the same and solid with various differences. The acting is well performed. The three children are played by adult actors with heavy dialogue and narration. The set, props are very quick to be changed and removed by actors and ensemble for the next scene. I like the front porch set of the Finch home as it depicts a American Deep South fictional home of Maycomb, Alabama circa 1933-1935. I was hoping to see a balcony and a balcony filled with townsfolk for the court room trial scene. Why did Atticus not ask Sheriff Tate if the victim was seen or treated by a doctor since Mayella Ewell was claimed "beat up" and allegedly raped? Jeff Daniels is Atticus Finch who is appointed by Judge Taylor to defend Tom Robinson to the best he is able as his attorney. This question is vital in a rape and assault trial and secondly taken directly from Lee's book: "Did you call a doctor, Sheriff? Did anybody call a doctor?" asked Atticus. Also the courtroom set design and background the windows are broken and the walls depict a worn industrial factory where steal I-beam can been seen. This is a government courtroom which means no broken windows and no exposed disrepair walls. The stage version produced a rowdy loud outburst courtroom scene which is not in the book where Horace Gilmer, prosecutor attorney and Bob Ewell began storming violently toward Tom Robinson with the intent to cause harm. The courtroom skipped small details as the townsfolk, jury, attorneys, et al were fanning themselves to keep cool from summer's heat. The play skipped scenes where the three children found toys inside the Radley tree as described in Lee's book. "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." -- Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird" read more

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Jeff Daniels was awesome as Atticus. I'm so glad I was able to see this show before he moved on. I'm sure Ed Harris is equally as good, I'd like to go see it again. Such a great adaptation of the book. Go see it! read more

This play exceeded my expectations by far! Everything gets together in a perfect combination of atmosphere, perfect acting, and great musical background that compliment the play very well. I was catching every word, every expression, every move. While living through the play you experience so many emotions: anger, pain, disappointment, sympathy... I really recommend this play for serious people, for those who can think and understand. Ps, the only downside was that they let a person in 30-35 min after the play started, which is unacceptable!!! read more

To Kill a Mockingbird - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Having been a fan of the movie version and hearing about the popularity of this production I knew I had to include it as part of my NY trip. There were 2 things that struck me as I prepared to watch it. First-the note in the Playbill. Anyone who sees this production take heed to what is written in the insert: "If you leave your seat for any reason during the performance, you will not be permitted to return." Second-the play starts without the usual "please silence your cellphone bit, etc." It just starts without warning. Act 2 is the same way-plan accordingly. Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) the narrator Scout (expertly portrayed by Celia Keenan-Bolger wonders why Bob Ewell "fell on his knife" and killed himself. The story goes back and forth between the children's apprehension of Boo Radley, their hatred of Ewell, and the famous trial of Tom Robinson accused of raping a young woman. Jeff Daniels gives an excellent performance as Atticus Finch the attorney assigned to defend Tom. His children as well as their friend Dill are all played by young adults who really get you to think they are children. While holding to the original storyline there are plot twists and more license is given to the racial tension going on in Macomb, Ala. during the depression. The KKK is introduced as well as a new character "Link Deas" who was thought of as the town drunk since he always" walked around with two straws sticking out of his bag". Yet as Atticus stated "you don't really know someone until you walk in their skin" is shown here as deep truths are revealed about some of these people that others take for granted. The "absence" of the jury even though the chairs are there emerge when Jeb, Scout, and Dill recite the individual verdicts. The 3 of them are quietly standing apart from each other which the trial is in progress. Perhaps the most impressive scene for me was when Atticus defends himself against a drunk Bob Ewell in a wrestling hold in Act 2. Off to either side of the stage is a person playing a guitar and another playing a pump organ to provide the music of the period. I like how they developed the role of Calpurnia the housekeeper into a woman who speaks her mind to Atticus and later comes to the realization that all she does for him is appreciated with his quietly speaking "your welcome. She is seen as an equal as opposed to an inferior person. "LaTanya Richardson Jackson did a great job portraying her. The lynching scene is tense and I like the fact that throughout the play certain actors use the side aisles to come down making you feel that you are right in the heart of the action. The play is so well done I was stunned that it wasn't nominated for best play for the upcoming Tony awards. Although Jeff Daniels is amazing as Atticus Finch and Gilbert Gilmore a close runner up as Dill, my vote goes to Celia Keenan-Bolger as Scout for best featured actress in a play. She stands apart in a league by herself with her narration and character role. Her performance was outstanding. If you love the book by Harper Lee or the movie version with Gregory Peck, then this adaption will floor you. It is scheduled to tour next year and I highly recommend seeing it. I literally cried through this one, it is truly a worthwhile show. "All rise!" read more

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Broadway. Check. Jeff Daniels in lead role. Check. My favorite book and movie on Broadway with Jeff Daniels. Check. I didn't really think there could be any other Atticus Finch except for Gregory Peck with Harper Lee's words. But then Jeff Daniels and Adam Sorkin took a rug and pulled it out from underneath us and delivered a stunning, flawless rendition of the novel that just swept us away. It was poignant, as I expected, heart-breaking, as I knew it would be, but it was shockingly.... funny. I had a mezzanine center seat, row G, and paid $133 for my ticket. read more

Not a bad seat in the house. I'd go over and over. Be sure to check the stage door. I got to meet Jeff Daniels and get an autograph. read more

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We were lucky to catch Jeff Daniels when this re-opened after the pandemic. Awesome show, very interesting and interactive set unlike the usual build-outs. read more

The show is great, acting straight to the point. I got second row in the center of the balcony but the seats are not elevated very high so a lot of time was blocked by the head in front of me because the acting are very much to all the way to the front so everyone was leaning forward trying to see what's happening, it's a bit bad design. Some actors talk soft and mumble, so it was a bit hard to catch what they were saying especially in a very deep southern accent. In general enjoy the show. read more

This reimagining of the classic, which we all read in high school, is updated and maintains its relevance even in the 21st century. Though set in the 1930s, it's themes of racism and personal acceptance are unfortunately still resonant today. The cast, led by Jeff Daniels, all should be getting Tony nominations. The adaptation by Aaron Sorkin can't be compared to the original, but is true to its virtues and updates the contexts for modern audiences. In the end, a thoroughly enjoyable evening. read more

Great show and cast this afternoon in NYC. Kudos to Daniels and company as they handled a medical emergency AND delivered a stellar show.

We purchased tickets for my adult kids for Christmas. Dec 26 show. Also purchased 4 train tickets a 2 hotel rooms. Kept checking because of Covid, shows still on. We purchased insurance for the train in case it was cancelled. Well we got here had dinner walked to the show. Got an email at 7:10 pm that 8 pm show cancelled. Unacceptable that they waited so long to tell us! Do Not Buy Tickets! They refunded for the show but we are out a train ride and 2 hotel rooms. read more

perfect. I do wish they had a bathroom for those with disabilities. i was unable to bring my 87 year old mom to the play because of this. I will probably see this again before Jeff Daniels leaves this role. read more

The best acting I've ever seen. What a great cast and a great rendition of my favorite book. The raw emotion coming from some of the actors was just astounding. I had tears in my eyes towards the end. read more

Awesome show. Great cast. It's about time for Broadway to add some comfort to its seating, tickets are in the multi hundreds, one shouldn't need a chiropractor after, but the show is awesome. Highly recommend. read more

This was a last minute addition to our musical weekend agenda. I'm so glad we added it. It was, of course a compacted version of the book but of course it has to be. I think it was as good of an interpretation of the book as the movie was. There were a couple of bits that were left out or changed/conveyed differently than I would have liked to see it. My husband felt it didn't bring forth the importance of Boo Radley's character enough & I tend to agree. Jeff Daniels was good as Atticus Finch & Celia Keenan-Bolger was even better as Scout. read more

Must see! I can't list all the reasons to see this play but I'd start with the names of every cast member. Extremely well done.

Go, if you have an opportunity, Go ! for a book I "had to read " years ago, This story is timeless. Every actor in this performance was outstanding, the understudy for Dill was exceptional . You will Not be disappointed . read more

The individual, Catherine, who gave this 1 star should be banned from Yelp. It is such a riveting, emotional, and well acted play. The cast was fabulous and it was so well written. It is a shame someone is so mentally ill they would give this play 1 star. read more

Absolutely the best performance by Jeff Daniels who's a beautiful soul & a great actor. He delivered with perfection.

Ed Harris' turn as Atticus was superb. The entire production was breathtaking: The actors along with their thoughtful and impeccable timing and delivery; a wonderful use of staging and scenery; lighting; surprising humor; pared down music by the two musicians that peppered scene changes, pauses, and interludes; use of the whole venue as part of the stage with actors entering and engaging from behind the audience; contemporary takes woven into such a moving play. All of it is not to be missed. We had some young people with us, and I wasn't sure if they were both going to become immersed, but there was no way they wouldn't be. They loved it. It was kind of troubling that my teenagers were the only two young people there, though, since this is a story that needs to be seen by all ages. Art is accessible to everyone on any level, wherever they meet it, no matter their age, etc. This is one play you really should not miss. It was riveting and moving, and mesmerizing. It is appropriate for teenagers, but I wouldn't go much younger than teens, unless they're familiar with adult themes. I saw Pippin on Broadway when I was like 7, (I'm a New Yorker and stuff like seeing this show so young is fairly normal for people that grow up here and see shows, ballet, opera, and plays frequently), and some of the stuff 'may have been over my head,' (little kids know when to look away usually), but I'll always remember Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, Fosse's incredible choreography, all of the talent, and other music and scenes. TKaM is a lot less noisy than Pippin and may give young children nowhere to hide during long periods of quiet action, so my advice is: Teens and tweens, at the youngest, depending on their level of maturity. But. Don't. Miss. This. One. read more

Weak production. The new dialogue doesn't add anything meaningful to the story. I wasntemotionally connected with any of the characters.

I would give this 50 stars if I could. The best, by far, play I have ever seen. AARON Sorkin's adaptation is moving and flawless. The cast remarkable. I was moved to tears, that has never happened before. Do whatever you have to do to see this, no matter the ticket price. I promise it will be worth it. read more